Day 2: Called to be the beloved
Bible: Read Luke 3:21-23
‘Now when all the people were baptised, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Read the passage through a couple of times. What words stand out to you from this passage? Why are they important for you today?
Reflection:
Before Jesus begins his public ministry he is baptised by his cousin John the Baptist in the river Jordan. At this pivotal moment in his life and ministry the gospel writers record that Jesus hears the Father’s voice. God the Father affirms Jesus as his beloved Son in whom he is well pleased.
Through faith in Jesus Christ we have become adopted into God’s family. You and I have become daughters and sons of God. God calls us his beloved children, and we, through the gift of his Spirit are able to call him Abba Father: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:1
Stop. Pause. Read out these words: “I am God’s precious child”. Repeat the sentence a few times.
How does it feel to say those words? I am sure that we will all have different emotions and feelings about these words which range from thankfulness to unworthiness, from excitement to doubt. However we are feeling, remember – receive these words as God’s divine promise to you.
Meditation:
Put on some peaceful music, light a candle if you would like to. Sit quietly listening to the music.
Imagine God speaking these words to you:
“You are my precious child, with you I am well pleased”
Hold these words in your mind for five minutes or so.
Prayer:
Pray that you would grow in your understanding and knowledge of the truth of this divine promise.
Pray for those who you find difficult to see as God’s children.
Paul